Currier Tech Ezip, Owner'S Manual, Page: 116 / 123

116
? tires and tubes
1. tires
Bicycle tires are available in many designs and specifications, ranging from general-purpose designs to tires designed to
perform best under very specific weather or terrain conditions. Your bicycle has been equipped with tires which the bike’s
manufacturer felt were the best balance of performance and value for the use for which the bike was intended. If, once you’ve
gained experience with your new bike, you feel that a different tire might better suit your riding needs, your dealer can help you
select the most appropriate design.
The size, pressure rating, and on some high-performance tires the specific recommended use, are marked on the sidewall of
the tire. The part of this information which is most important to you is Tire Pressure.
WaRninG: Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall. Exceeding the recommended
maximum pressure may blow the tire off the rim, which could cause damage to the bike and injury to the rider and bystanders.
The best way to inflate a bicycle tire to the correct pressure is with a bicycle pump.
caution: Gas station air hoses move a large volume of air very rapidly, and will raise the pressure in your tire very rapidly. To
avoid over-inflation when using a gas station air hose, put air into your tire in short, spaced bursts.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How a tire performs under different terrain or
weather conditions depends largely on tire pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the
lowest rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High pressures work best on smooth, dry pavement. Very low
pressures, at the bottom of the recommended pressure range, give the best performance on smooth, slick terrain such as hard-
packed clay, and on deep, loose surfaces such as deep, dry sand. Tire pressure that is too low for your weight and the riding
conditions can cause a puncture of the tube by allowing the tire to deform sufficiently to pinch the inner tube between the rim
and the riding surface.
caution: Pencil type automotive tire gauges and gas station air hose pressure settings can be inaccurate and should not be
relied upon for consistent, accurate pressure readings. Instead, use a high quality dial gauge.
Check inflation as described in you’ll know how correctly inflated tires should look and feel. Some tires may need to be brought
up to pressure every week or two.